Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the indications for the use of free-tissue transfer in lower extremity reconstruction. 2. Understand modalities to enhance the healing and care of soft tissue and bone before free-tissue transfer. 3. Understand the lower extremity reconstructive ladder and the place of free-tissue transfer on the ...

OBJECTIVES To describe the current set-up, barriers and potential for providing rehabilitation to people with lower limb amputation in skilled nursing centres. DESIGN Survey and interviews. SUBJECTS/PARTICIPANTS Elderly care physicians, physiotherapists. METHODS In 2011, clinicians from 34 skilled nursing centres participated in a semi-structured interview covering rehabilitation and dail...

The popularity of skiing and snowboarding has increased tremendously over the past few decades. Whereas skiing has been an established winter sport for some time, snowboarding was created only in the 1960s. The great surge in popularity of snowboarding was sparked by its inclusion in the 1998 Winter Olympics. With increased participation in these winter activities has come a tremendous rise in ...

Since the onset of combat activity in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been over 1100 major limb amputations among United States service members. With a sustained military presence in the Middle East, continued severe lower extremity trauma is inevitable. For this reason, combat surgeons must understand the various amputation levels as well as the anatomic and technical details that enable an o...

Evidence-Based Answer Complete decongestive physiotherapy (i.e., a noninvasive protocol consisting of skin care, lymph drainage massage, exercises, and compression bandaging1) effectively improves edema, rates of infection, and quality of life in patients with lower-extremity lymphedema. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: B, based on prospective cohort studies.) Microsurgery may be effective fo...